He is called "Fast Willie," not "Slick Willie," and Willie Parker showed why the former was the more appropriate nickname for at least one day.

Given the opportunity to campaign for a trip to the Pro Bowl on Wednesday, Parker, instead, sidestepped talk that he is deserving to represent the AFC in the Feb. 10 game, which will be played in Honolulu.

"That's not a team award, so I kind of try to stay away from all of that," said Parker, who is third in the AFC in rushing yards (1,199) and rushing touchdowns (10). "A lot of people ask me in the street (about the Pro Bowl). I kind of go back toward the team. Individual accolades, that will take care of itself."

Parker has never been to Hawaii, but it's easy to see why he is more focused on the Steelers' upcoming trip to Charlotte, N.C.

Sunday's game against the Panthers represents a homecoming for Parker, who grew up in Clinton, N.C., and played his college ball at the University of North Carolina.

Even if his teammates had been allowed to select him on their Pro Bowl ballots, Parker would no doubt have lobbied for their tickets to Sunday's 1 p.m. game instead of their votes.

That is how much of a personal cheering section he is expecting at Bank of America Stadium.

When asked how many ticket requests he has gotten, Parker smiled and said, "a lot."

He will make a triumphant return to his home state considering he has twice rushed for more yards in a game this season than he did his senior year at North Carolina (181 yards) and is only the third back in Steelers' history to rush for 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.

"I couldn't be happier for the guy," wide receiver Hines Ward said. "He's one of the first guys here running and working out. It's just a great story."

Ward has emerged as Parker's de facto campaign manager when it comes to the Pro Bowl.

"Why not Willie Parker? That's my question," said Ward, who has been to four Pro Bowls. "He's been just as productive as any other back in the AFC. Our record isn't where we want it to be, but that shouldn't take away from Willie's accomplishment."

That could be a factor in the voting -- balloting from NFL coaches and players and fans is equally weighted -- said ESPN analyst Joe Theismann.

Up for grabs
Three running backs are elected to the Pro Bowl team in each conference. San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson and Kansas City's Larry Johnson appear to be locks for two of those spots. Here are the top candidates for the other one.
Att. Yds. Avg. TD*
Willie Parker 264 1,119 4.5 13
Fred Taylor 222 1,083 4.9 5
Rudi Johnson 276 1,054 3.8 10
*Total touchdowns